AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup: China's EV wave incoming!

The weather has been funny this past week.

Although the smog (supposedly a tantalizing cocktail of volcanic ash and vehicle emissions) seems to have subsided somewhat, each day mixes searing heat with pouring rain.

Assuming none of you have gotten a cold by now, here are your five favorite stories from September 25 to October 1, 2023. This is the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

Chery’s EV trio

From being the whipping boy of Chinese car hate locally, Chery Auto Philippines has now become one of the most notable marques from the People’s Republic.

And now, it’s building up its lineup by bringing in not one, not two, but three new electrified models that will be tested on our roads. Two of these are battery-electric vehicles (EV), while one may be a hybrid.

Do you think Chery Auto has done enough to turn its reputation around locally?

READ: Parating na! Chery Auto bringing EVs to the Philippines

GAC Motor going electric

From being an afterthought in the local car scene, GAC Motor Philippines has made an astounding turnaround under multinational automotive distributor Astara Philippines.

Besides awesome new models like the Emkoo, Empow, and GS8, the Chinese carmaker is eyeing entries into the EV scene through its sub-brand Aion.

Do you think GAC Motor Philippines can make headway among other EV manufacturers?

READ: GAC Aion EV brand could be coming to the Philippines! Here's what you can expect

Safe na safe! Sure na!

The next-generation Toyota Vios AC100 has been on sale in other ASEAN markets for quite some time now.

Riding on the all-new Daihatsu New Global Architecture, the subcompact sedan has been a hit for Toyota, albeit with lots of controversy surrounding its crash safety credentials. However, it seems the latest ASEAN NCAP tests have put any doubts to rest.

Would you like to see the AC100 Vios on Philippine roads soon?

READ: Is it really safe? 2024 Toyota Vios gets 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test rating

GWM’s ‘Supreme’ hybrid

Those of you who read classic English literature would likely have appreciated my references to Anne Boleyn and Jonathan Swift.

If not, then you would likely have appreciated the GWM Haval H6 Supreme HEV, which truly undercuts traditional Japanese hybrid crossovers.

Perhaps it’s time for the likes of Toyota and Honda to step up their hybrid game.

READ: FULL REVIEW: 2024 GWM Haval H6 HEV Supreme -- Having your cake and eating it, too!

Zài jiàn, Diamond Star!

Relax, Mitsubishi Motors isn’t leaving the Philippines anytime soon – not while it has firmly been second in the annual sales charts.

However, the renowned Japanese automaker seems to have run out of luck in China, despite having a joint venture with GAC Motor.

Do you think Mitsubishi Motors is better off serving emerging markets like ASEAN instead?

READ: Sluggish sales and the rise of local brands: Mitsubishi Motors to end vehicle production in China 

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